Corneal toxicity from topical ocular and systemic medications.

PURPOSE

To review what is known about the adverse effects on the cornea from various classes of medications. New data from previously unreported cases of drug-related corneal toxicity are included.

METHODS

Data are garnered from a Medline literature review and from case reports collected by the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects.

RESULTS

Aminoglycosides, bisphosphonates, chemotherapeutic medications, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, fluoroquinolones, glaucoma eye drops, topical iodine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops, preservatives in eye drops, retinoids, topical anesthetics, topical steroids, and some herbal medications can cause corneal toxicity in some patients.

CONCLUSION

Ophthalmologists need to be aware of potential corneal toxicities that can arise from commonly prescribed medications.